Social Action

Oregon Food Bank  |  SW Community Health Center  |  MACG  |  Darfur  |  Election Reform

The Social Action Committee consists of 18 Kol Shalom members coming together to define issues of concern to the KS community. We research issues; make opportunities for participation (be it volunteerism or advocacy); and keep Kol Shalom engaged in actions for "the common good". We feel this enactment of our ethics in society is a fundamental expression of our Judaism.

The committee has looked into issues as broad as national election reform and the African genocides, and has informed members of some details and informational resources and has offered available (and we hope effective) actions.

We have made local alliances to learn about and act for health care reform; very locally, members support and volunteer at a neighboring clinic for un-insured working families. For systemic reform, we have led Kol Shalom into the Industrial Areas Foundation: here, known as "The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good." There, and in state-wide groups of like-minded communities and agencies, we strive toward "affordable, accessible health care for all". Members have followed the committee into letter writing campaigns and legislative visits to the state capitol. On another issue (getting city action to clean up "meth" infested houses) our families joined those of allied congregations and unions at city council meetings and a neighborhood rally – and were ultimately effective!

Thus, the Social Action committee tasks itself with providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for members and working for systemic change, toward the common good.

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